Pres says to hike disability allowance in June
Under the social security system, President Solih said that a total of 430 social workers were trained last year.
By
Shahudha Mohamed
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced on Monday that the government will increase the disability allowance for people and children with disabilities in June.
The differently-abled are now given a monthly allowance of MVR 2,000. During a meeting held in December 2021 with the people, president Solih was asked by the people to increase the allowance, saying it was too small.
President Solih announced the increase in the allowance for persons with disabilities in his presidential address at the first sitting of the Parliament this year.
"We will increase the state's allowance for persons with disabilities from June," he said, without disclosing the extent of the hike.
At the same time, the President also announced that a separate centre will be opened in Hulhumale this week for services for persons with disabilities above the age of 18.
'Anti-drug efforts show positive results'
In his presidential address, the President highlighted the government's efforts to address the drug menace, one of the biggest social challenges facing the country. Thus:
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To keep the youth out of drugs and gang crimes, the training programmes for youths as well as the free degree programmes are showing positive results
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In March 2018, Maafushi Prison launched a program designed to detox, rehabilitate and bring such youth back to the community
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Thirty-two participants from the first batch successfully completed the stages and joined the community
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Treatment and community rehabilitation programs are being carried out in four parts of the country apart from Male
'More caseworkers, helpers will be trained'
Under the social security system, President Solih said that a total of 430 individuals were trained last year to increase the number of caseworkers and helpers who could help victims in the Maldives. Thus:
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This includes 62 islands in seven atolls and people from two other cities
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This year, the training programme will continue
In the last presidential address of president Solih's first term, president Solih noted that efforts were also underway to provide a family accommodation to children in state custody. Thus, he said:
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Seven ‘Amaan Veshi’ centres have been set up and children have been shifted to these places
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Family and Children Service Centers in 19 atolls have been dedicated to the decentralization and expansion of social work in the Maldives
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In the last four years, 156 more employees have been added to the service
